Sofowote’s enduring legacy

One year after music and arts icon, Mrs. Motunlayo Adefunke Sofowote, passed away in Spain, the foundation she set up to ensure that the annual charity concert outlives her, has swung into action, by staging a special concert at the Main Auditorium, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos. She single-handedly ran the show for 10 years before setting up the Glowing Channels Foundation (GCF) which was inaugurated in 2009.

This was at a time she had no idea she was going to take ill; she just felt that it was more proper to put a system in place that could continue even when she is not around. But, the foundation could not get its acts together until now. Members of the Board of Trustees of GCF were a bit reluctant to get involved when the departed founder of the organisation was still with them.

As a result, she continued to run the show single-handedly until 2013, when her condition became critical. The last show she organised was in December, 2012.

A member of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Akin Orebiyi, said it was only after her death last year that it dawned on them that this is an assignment or a duty that has been bequeathed to them. Orebiyi said they also recognised that there is nothing loftier for any humankind who has been bequeathed with a lofty legacy to continue in that tradition and even raise the bar in that respect.

He added: “That’s why we came together this year, to see what we can do. She died on Thursday, September 18, last year and was buried on October 2, last year in Lubeck, Germany. We could have had a concert last year, but because of the little time we had between October and December, it was not possible. So, this year, we felt we should do it in October to coincide with the first anniversary of her funeral.”

Orebiyi, who studied drama, with a specialisation in play production and play directing, said the foundation is facing a number of challenges with regard to the organisation of the concert.

His words: “First of all, Mrs. Sofowote has developed the concert into a brand; a brand woven specifically around her personality and individuality. Therefore, it was a challenge for us to be able to reach out to people in her absence; people doubted whether we can continue the show in her absence.

“In fact, people still find it difficult to come to terms with her departure and to picture a Glowing Channels concert without Funke Sofowote on stage. It still hasn’t jelled yet. So, we have that challenge when we try to reach out to people. We could still see some kind of reticence; this affected the attendance this year. In subsequent years, apart from those who have been attending the concert over the years, we hope to attract new faces to the show.”

This has also affected its charity projects for the year 2016. Glowing Channels’ charity projects are financed primarily from the gate-takings, as well as the proceeds from sale of raffle tickets. But, there was no raffle draw during the last concert. As a result, Orebiyi said charity projects might not feature next year. But, he is optimistic that things will pick up in the second year of running the show under the aegis of the foundation.

As in previous years, an array of established and budding talents entertained the audience with musical and dance performances, as well as poetry recitals. Though the attendance was poor, compared to previous concerts, the patrons were delighted with the scintillating performances put up by composer, singer and soloist Yinka Davies, singer, composer and pianist Femi Ogunronbi and Abuja-based polyglot, mechanical engineer, Mathematician and shipbuilder Meche Ekechukwu, who entertained them with Italian classical and English contemporary music.

Others who performed at the concert included Johnpaul Ochei, Ibukun Kafaru, Seye Aluko, Roli Afinotan, Kelechi Sunday Nwuko, Fatima Anyekenam, Iquo Diana Abasi, Cella Fusi, Joseph Omotoye (aka Jojo), Notes and Tones Choral Group, Footprints of David and the Ibadi Dance Troupe. The concert ended on a happy note, with the electrifying performance of the Ibadi Dance Troupe and the soulful highlife renditions of Ogunronbi, backed by others.

It was, generally, an evening of classical, choral, hymnal, instrumental and highlife music, spiced with poetry recitals. The patrons seemed appreciate the show. For instance, the chairman of this year’s concert, Mr. Olusegun Ajanlekoko, praised members of the foundation for not only continuing the legacy of the late Mrs. Sofowote, but also for putting up a good show.

But the organisers believe that their best is yet to come. Orebiyi said the number of groups and persons featuring on the show would be reduced in subsequent years, to cut down on time and provide more fun and entertainment.